4th Grade Math

By the end of fourth grade, students should be able to demonstrate the following math abilities. Many skills are worked on throughout the year and build on each other.

Multiplication and division with larger numbers

• Record multiplication and division problems using equations. For example, 4 x 8 = T can represent this problem: Chad has 4 boxes of crayons. Each box has 8 crayons in it. How many crayons does he have altogether?
• Understand how numbers are made up of ones, tens, hundreds, etc. (the place value system). For example, 479 is made up of 400 + 70 + 9.
• Round numbers to the nearest 10 or 100 to aid in estimation (ex. 27 x 6 is close to 30 x 6, which is 3 tens x 6, or 18 tens, or 180).
• Multiply a two-digit number times a two-digit number (ex. 24 x 56), and multiply any number up to four digits times a one-digit number (ex. 3547 x 5).
• Divide up to a four-digit number by a one-digit number (ex. 336 ÷ 7).

Addition and subtraction with larger numbers

• Quickly and accurately add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers

Fractions and decimals

• Compare two fractions with different numerators and denominators by creating common denominators or numerators. Be able to tell which is greater than, less than or equal. For example, compare 1/2 and 3/4 by finding an equivalent fraction for 1/2 (2/4) and comparing 2/4 to 3/4, or a different equivalent fraction for 1/2 (3/6) and comparing 3/6 to 3/4.
• Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator. Add and subtract mixed numbers with the same denominator (ex. 5 1/8 + 5/8 = 5 6/8). Show this using fraction models or drawings.
• Multiply a fraction times a whole number (ex. 3/8 x 4 = 12/8). Show this using fraction models or drawings.
• Understand that decimal numbers represent fractions with 10 or 100 as the denominator. For example, 0.2 = 2/10 and 0.37 = 37/100.

Measurement and geometry

• Know that 1 foot is 12 inches, 1 hour is 60 minutes and 1 minute is 60 seconds. Find equivalent measurements in the smaller unit. For example, a 4 foot snake is 48 inches, 2 hours is 120 minutes, etc. Students are also introduced to the metric system in fourth grade, including kilometers (km) and meters (m), and kilograms (kg) and grams (g).
• Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world problems. For example, find the width of a rectangular room given the area of the flooring and the length.
• Measure angles.
• Know what perpendicular and parallel lines are, and identify them in two-dimensional figures.